Rangers would have been hoping to keep the last 16 Europa League tie with Fenerbahce alive for the second leg.
Instead, it could be another famous Thursday night under the lights at Ibrox with Barry Ferguson’s tactical masterclass outfoxing a shocked Jose Mourinho.
At the heart of the performance was Cyriel Dessers, a player who continues to delight and frustrate in equal measure, who was at the centre of no less than three controversial moments as he led Rangers’ line.
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Rangers fans fume at Cyriel Dessers offside call
Mourinho said it could have been more and, but for some dubious drawing of offside lines, it might well have been.
The images weren’t on the TNT footage for long, however, when they posted them on social media, more than a few eyebrows were raised.
“Someone needs to explain to me how the line is taken from dessers upper arm (which he can’t score with) and the defenders foot when is arm is further extended?” Questioned one perplexed Rangers fan.
“So, if it goes with Dessers shoulder for the first one why is it not the same for the defender??” Fumed another, a point that seemed to be a recurring theme, “The first one is onside. Clearly in line and the vertical line down is his arm. Shocking decision,” agreed one Rangers supporter who couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
Whilst another laughed, “Second one the blue line is thicker at defenders foot,” which also irked this fan, “The second looked offside but why do they draw the blue line over the defenders foot to just cloud the decision..??
What did Mourinho say about Dessers’ performance?
Dessers was nearly faultless in an elite level performance. Not only did he score an exquistely taken goal, but his pass for Vaclav Cerny’s first and Rangers’ second goal was every bit as good – if not better.
It wasn’t just his contribution at the sharp end that was on point, the 30-year old hitman won free-kick after free-kick and held the ball up better than any other time in a Light Blue shirt.
Mourinho was impressed, if not more than a little frustrated by Dessers’ demolition job:
“Dessers looked like the best player in the world today,” the Portuguese boss said after the game.
“But he’s not normally like that.”
No Jose, he isn’t.
